Kashmir Tourism | Jammu and Kashmir Tourism | Tourist Place Kashmir
The most important tourist spot in the state is Ladakh region. Famous for its Buddhist monasteries and natural beauty, today Ladakh attracts thousands of tourists every year. The tourist season in Ladakh lasts from May to October. The capital of Ladakh is Leh - famous for its monasteries. There are plenty of hotels in Leh for the tourists. Apart from Leh, tourists can visit the scenic Nubra Valley, Tsomoriri and Pangong Lake or the Kargil region. Adventure travelers will surely enjoy trekking in the Zanskar region of Ladakh.
Jammu and Kashmir is very important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. It is famous for Amarnath Yatra and Vaishno Devi shrine that attracts millions of pilgrims every year. Pilgrimage is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir tourism.
Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir is must visit place. The city is famous for beautiful lakes and gardens. Among very popular with tourists are Dal Lake with its famous houseboats and the Manasbal Lake. Gardens in Srinagar are CheshmaShahi Garden, Nishant Gardens and Shalimar Gardens. The other important attractions in Kashmir are Amarnath caves and Sonamarg. Tourists in Kashmir should not forget to buy local hand-looms and handicrafts.
Jammu also have some important tourist spots. The most famous is the Vaishno Devi shrine. Pantitop, Akhnoor, Jhajjar Kotti, Sanasar, Bhaderwah and Jammu City are other must visit places in Jammu region.
Gulmarg Hill Station:
Gulmarg is a town and a notified area committee in Baramula district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg is a hill station in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862 – 1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India.
The surrounding areas were politically restive during the 1990s uprising in Kashmir, but after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in 2003, the town is now enjoying a period of relative peace and quiet. The town is nestled within the imposing Himalayan peaks, and lies within miles of the Line of Control. It is the recipient of heavy snowfall during the winter
season and is a popular ski resort.
With the abatement of militancy in the area, Gulmarg has quickly become one of the state's most visited destinations. The slopes of the Afarwat Hills of the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalaya Chain boast one of the longest and highest ski slopes in Asia. The total distance covered by ski lift is five kilometres and the resort peaks at an altitude of 3,747m/12, 292ft, accessed by an aerial gondola (telecabine). The skiing project was inaugurated by the Chief Minister on 25 December 2004. The entire hill is guarded by the army at all times. The army, which is seen everywhere in the cities of Kashmir, is not in the town or the actual hilltop. Frisking is only done midway on the access road at 3 places: Tangmarg, near an army camp on the road from Tangmarg, and 5km before entering Gulmarg. Gulmarg does not have any permanent residents. All living in Gulmarg are hotel employees and guests. Everyone else is required to leave the village by sunset, as per curfew set by the army in 1990.
Gulmarg boasts of Asia's highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4200m/13779ft). The ropeway project is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski.
The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600m/8,530ft to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway, which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes skiers to a height of 3,747m/12,992ft on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4200m/13779ft). The second stage was completed in a record time of about two years at a cost of Rs 11 crore and opened on May 28, 2005. The French company had also built the first phase of the gondola project, connecting Gulmarg to Kongdoori, in 1998.
Gulmarg translates as "the meadow of flowers" and is located 52 km from Srinagar. Skiing is normally offered from mid-December to mid-May.
The JKSCCC has also proposed to construct chair lifts which will connect Kongdoori with Merry Shoulder peak for beginners and intermediate skiers. Gulmarg is being mooted as a possible host for the 2010 Commonwealth Winter Games.
How to Reach Gulmarg:
Taxi from Airport to Gulmarg or Srinagar to Gulmarg should be 1,200 - 1,500 Rs. There is a sign with a currently posted price of 1,200 Rs. If there is heavy snow on the pass to Gulmarg, you may want to look for a taxi with good tires or chains.
Place to Visit in Gulmarg:
The main attraction here is the Gondola. Finished in 2004, it runs up to 3995 meters. A sight seeing trip to the top of the gondola will cost you Rs. 300 for Stage one and Rs. 800 for stage two(inclusive of the cost of Stage one) for a return trip; singles (for skiiers for example!) are half the price, with a day pass available for 1200rs. You can decide whether you wish to go to Stage two when you have reached stage one. Stage two is at a much higher elevation, right on the hill top and is clearly visible from the Gulmarg taxi stand. The hills visible from the top are said to be LOC and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (specifically Nanga Parbat and (supposedly) the very tip of K2)
What to do at Gulmarg:
The main activity for a tourist in Gulmarg is snow skiing. One can enjoy skiing in the long and high slopes of the snowy mountain ranges and experience a difference.
The skiing season starts on the 25th of December and runs through to March, expect to pay 500Rs a day for ski/snowboard hire.
The weather is cold and it is necessary for the tourist to wear woollen clothes. Golfing, Sledging, and horse riding are other activities (best enjoyed in the summer). Gulmarg is likely to host the 2010 winter Olympics. And Major Tourist Attractions of Gulmarg are Alpather Lake , Baba Reshi Shrine , Gondola, Cable Car to Kongdor, Gulmarg Gold Golf , Khilanmarg, Maharani Temple, Skiing ,St Marys church,
Jammu Tourism:
Jammu is one of the three regions comprising the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu borders Kashmir to the north, Ladakh to the east, Himachal Pradesh to the south and Pakistan-administered Kashmir to the west.
Home to some of the most popular Hindu shrines, such as Vaishno Devi, Jammu is
one of the most famous pilgrimage tourism destinations in India. Sandwiched between the Vale of Kashmir to the north and the Daman Koh Plains to the south, the Shivalik Range comprises most of the region of Jammu. The Pir Panjal Range, the Trikuta Hills and the low-lying Tawi River basin adds beauty and diversity to the terrain of Jammu.
Many historians and locals believe that Jammu was founded by Raja Jamboolochan in 14th century BC. During one of his hunting campaigns he reached the Tawi River where he saw a goat and a lion drinking water at the same place. The king was impressed and decided to set up a town after his name, Jamboo. With the passage of time, the name was corrupted and became "Jammu". The city name figures in the ancient book Mahabharata. The name of Jammu is also found in the memories of Timur. Excavation near Akhnoor, 20 miles from Jammu city, provides evidence that Jammu was once a part of the Harappan civilization. Remains from the Maurya, Kushan, and Gupta periods have also been found. The area witnessed the change
of control from the invading Mughals and Sikhs before finally falling under the control of the British. After independence it became a part of the Indian republic the direct successor of India itself following a bitter Kashmir war. It is said that in olden times the area now known to be as Jammu and Kashmir across the river Tawi was thick forest and was inhibited by wild animals. Once ruler of Bahu state, Raja Jambu Lochan came for hunting in this area and witnessed a Asiatic lion and a lamb drinking water at a small distance from each other on a lake. Having more satisfied their thirst, they went their own ways. The Raja was amazed and abandoned the idea of hunting and returned to his companions. Expressing what he had seen, exclaimed that this place is a place of peace and tranquillity, where a lion and a lamb can drink water side by side. The Raja commanded a palace to be built at this place and a city to be built at this place and a city to be founded around it. Thus, a city in the name of Jambu Lochan was developed and was named Jambu-Nagar which then later changed into Jammu later. Jambu Lochan was the brother of Raja Bahu Lochan who had constructed a fort on the bank of river Tavi. Bahu fort is one of the famous historical places of Jammu.
How to Reach Jammu:
Jammu is well connected by train to points south and east. It is the last rail stop heading north, and most people only see it long enough to get from the train station to the bus stand to continue on to Srinagar.
To Srinagar there are several J&K SRTC buses taking 12 hours and costing Rs 150. Sumo 4wd jeep taxis also do this trip in less time and cost ~Rs 200 per person (or more if you wish to hire the whole taxi to yourself).
Jammu has an excellent airport which has many flights from Delhi. Kingfisher, Spice Jet, Jet Airways ,Indian Airlines,Goair and Deccan Airways have flights from Delhi
Jammu Attraction:
Vaishno Devi shrine:
The town of Katra, which is close to Jammu, is home to the famous Vaishno Devi shrine. Nestling on top of the Trikuta Hills at a height of 1700 m is the sacred cave shrine of Vaishno Devi, the mother goddess. At a distance of 48 km from Jammu, the cave is 30 m long and just 1.5 m high. At the end of the cave are shrines dedicated to the three forms of the mother goddess— Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarasvati. Pilgrims start trekking to the cave temple which is 13 km from katra. They enter in small groups through a narrow opening and walk through ice-cold waters to reach the shrines. According to legend, the mother goddess hid in the cave while escaping a demon whom she ultimately killed.
Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary:
Areas around Jammu used to be thick forests few years ago teeming with wild life. A wildlife sanctuary, called and best known for wonderful species of pheasants. It is renowned natural habitat for a significant population of pheasants. Among the other avifauna Indian mynah, blue rock pigeon, peafowl, red jungle fowl, chir pheasants, chakor etc.
Spread over an area of 34 km², the sanctuary is rich in fauna and provides refuge to a wide variety of mammals. The main species are leopard, wild boar, rhesus monkey, bharal and grey langur.
Mansar Lake:
Situated 62 km from Jammu, Mansar is a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills, over a mile in length by half-a-mile in width. Besides being a popular excursion destination in Jammu, it is also a holy site, sharing the legend and sanctity of Lake Mansarovar
Bahu Fort:
The Bahu fort, which also serves as a religious temple is situated about 5 km from Jammu city on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi. This is perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city. Constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago, the existing Fort was more recently improved and rebuilt by Dogra rulers. There is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali inside the fort popularly known as Bave wali Mata. The fort overlooks the river running through Jammu city. Every Tuesday and Sunday pilgrims throng this temple and partake in "Tawi flowing worship". Bave Wali Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu. Today the fort is surrounded with a beautiful terraced garden which is a favourite picnic spot of the city folk.
Bagh-E-Bahu:
Located on the banks of Tawi river, is a famous Mughal-age garden. It gives nice view of the old city and Tawi river. Bagh itself is very beautiful. There is a small cafeteria on one side of the garden.
Raghunath Temple:
Amongst the temples in Jammu, the Raghunath Mandir takes pride of place being situated right in the heart of the city. This temple is situated at the city center and was built in 1857. Work on the temple was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir in 1835 AD and was completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860 AD. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides.
Peer Kho Cave:
Alongside the same Tawi river are the Peer Kho Cave temple, the Panchbakhtar temple and the Ranbireshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with their own legends and specific days of worship. Peer Kho cave is located on the bank of river Tawi and it is widely believed that Ramayan character Jamvant (the bear god) meditated in this cave. The Ranbireshwar Temple has twelve Shiva lingams of crystal measuring 12" to 18" and galleries with thousands of saligrams fixed on stone slabs. Located on the Shalimar Road near the New Secretariat, and built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883 AD. It has one central lingam measuring seven and a half feet height (2.3 m) and twelve Shiva lingams of crystal measuring from 15 cm to 38 cm and galleries with thousands of Shiva lingams fixed on stone slabs.
Dargah of Ali Shah:
The Dargah (shrine) of Peer Budhan Ali Shah or Peer Baba is said to protect the people of this city from mishaps and evil spirits. A friend of Guru Gobind Singh, it is said that Peer Baba lived his entire life on milk alone and lived to the age of five hundred and still people from all faiths and religions venerate him in equal respect. Peer Mitha was a saint who has a shrine of his own and was a contemporary of Ajaib Dev and Ghareeb Nath, who were famous for their prophecies and miracles. "Mitha" means "the sweet one" and the saint was so-called, as the Peer would accept nothing more than a pinch of sugar in offering from his devotees.
Srinagar Tourism:
Srinagar is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. he city lies on both banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus River. The city is famous for its lakes and houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi. The headquarters of the Srinagar District are situated in the city.
Etymologically Srinagar is composed of two Sanskrit words, namely, Sri (meaning abundance and wealth) and Nagar, which means a city. Thus, the word Srinagar signifies a place of wealth and abundance. Sri is also the name of a goddess of Hindus.
A legend, as incorporated in Nila’s Nilmatapurana, states that the Kashmir valley was a vast lake. A Hindu sage named Kashyapa drained out the water, and there emerged the beautiful valley of Kashmir.
The city was founded by the King Pravarasena II over 2,000 years ago, and the city of Srinagar has a long history, dating back at least to the 3rd century BC. The city was then a part of the Maurya Empire, one of the largest empires of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the Kashmir valley, and the adjoining regions around the city became a centre of Buddhism. In the 1st century, the region was under the control of Kushans and several rulers of this dynasty strengthened the Buddhist tradition. Vikramaditya (of Ujjain) and his successors probably ruled the regions just before the city fell to the control of the Huns in the 6th century, and Mihirkula was the most dreaded ruler of the city and the valley.
The Hindu and the Buddhist rule of Srinagar lasted until the 14th century, when the Kashmir valley, including the city, came under the control of the several Muslim rulers, including the Mughals. It was also the capital during the reign of Yusuf Shah Chak, a ruler who was tricked by Akbar when he failed to conquer Kashmir by force. Yusuf Shah Chak remains buried in Bihar in India. Akbar established Mughal rule in Srinagar and Kashmir valley.
How to Reach Srinagar:
By air - Flights are operated by Jet Airways, Air Deccan, SpiceJet,Kingfisher Airlines and Indian Airlines from Delhi to Srinagar, or with a stopover at Jammu. The frequency is once or twice a day by each airline. The cost is approx Rs. 2,500 from Jammu and approx Rs. 2,500-5,000 from Delhi one way. The airport is still quite small and all flights originate in Delhi, pick up passengers and then return. It is also still heavily fortified and expect to see many soldiers with guns. Winter flights can easily be canceled and leave you stranded. Tickets are easy to purchase in town, but the airport requires a ticket for entrance. A taxi into town should be Rs. 350 and direct to Gulmarg is 1,200-1,500.
By taxi - Hiring a TATA Sumo SUV (fits up to 9 people, or 5 comfortably plus luggage) from Jammu costs approximately Rs.1,900-2,700 depending on time of year or even time of day. To reduce costs many people choose not to take an exclusive taxi, and share the Sumo taxi with other travellers. This costs about Rs. 150-400 per person. For a comfortable trip, try for a seat in the middle row - the front bucket seat is (sometimes uncomfortably) shared by 2 people, and the far back is for the "vomiters".
By bus - J&K SRTC operates fairly comfortable buses from Jammu costing around Rs 150 and do the journey in around 12 hours. 2 day buses run between Srinagar and Leh staying overnight in Kargil.
Places to Visit in Srinagar:
Dal Lake:
Dal lake is a famous lake in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, in India. The lake itself is connected to a number of other lakes of the Kashmir valley. It is well known for its approximately 500 Victorian-era wooden houseboats, originally built as vacation homes for landless British administrators during the Raj. The lake covers 18 square kilometers, and is divided by causeways into four basins
Shalimar Gardens:
Shalimar Gardens are the largest of the three Mughal gardens built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Jahangir built the gardens for his beloved and talented wife, Mehrunissa, titled Nur Jahan. The other two gardens are Nishat Bagh and Chashma Shahi.
The gardens comprise four terraces, containing a canal supplied with water from the Harwan reservoir nearby. The top garden, unseen from below, was reserved for the ladies of the court. The garden is considered to be very beautiful during the Autumn and Spring seasons due to the colour change in leaves and the blooming of flowers.
Ziarati Hazrati Youza Asouph:
Ziarati Hazrati Youza Asouph in the Khanyar area, about 150 meters NW of Dastgir Saheb mosque & shrine. This tomb, also known as Roza Bal, is believed by some to be the tomb of Jesus (part of the larger theory that he survived the crucifixion and made his way to Kashmir where he lived until at least the age of 100). It has been made popular by recent books such as Jesus Lived in India by Holger Kersten among others. It's down a little side road - ask around, pretty much anyone in the area can point you in the right direction.
Nishat Bagh :
Nishat Bagh is one of the three Mughal gardens on the edge of Dal Lake in Srinagar, India. The garden was built for a brother of Mughal emperor Nur Jahan. From the lake edge, Nishat Bagh rises through 12 terraces along a broad central canal toward the nearby mountains. Chadars, sloping chutes, funnel water through each terrace to rectangular pools studded with fountain jets.
Shankaracharya temple:
Shankaracharya Temple and Shanakracharya is believed to have visited the place and meditated there. Most of the Kashmiris know this place by the name of "Sulaiman Teng". The historians believe that before the temple was built on this site, their used to be a mosque, which was later removed by the Hindu rulers.
Kheer Bhavani shrine:
Kheer Bhavani shrine located about 26 km from Srinagar is one of the most revered Hindu Shrines of Kashmir. It has a spring which changes colours indicating the fortunes of people.
Hari Parbat hill:
Hari Parbat hill situated in the centre of Srinagar, is the site of a Durrani fort, Sufi saint Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom's Shrine, an ancient Hindu temple to the goddess Sharika Devi(Parvati).